US20090253489A1

US20090253489A1 - Slot machine having feature in which sequence of rearranging symbols on respective defined areas becomes random, and control method of the slot machine

Info

Publication number: US20090253489A1
Application number: US12/418,012
Authority: US
Inventors: Yukinori Inamura
Original assignee: Aruze Corp
Current assignee: Universal Entertainment Corp
Priority date: 2008-04-03
Filing date: 2009-04-03
Publication date: 2009-10-08
Also published as: AU2009201290A1

Abstract

A slot machine scrolls symbols on a plurality of defined areas provided on a display at a time of executing a slot game, and thereafter stops the symbols on the respective defined areas. A lottery of the symbols is performed not for each of the respective defined areas but for each of the defined areas divided into a plurality of groups. Moreover, a sequence of rearranging the symbols on the defined areas is changeable, and can be made random for each unit game.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/042,099 entitled “SLOT MACHINE HAVING VARIETY OF AWARDS WITH POINT-ALLOCATED SYMBOLS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF” filed on Apr. 3, 2008 and naming Yukinori INAMURA as inventor, and which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a slot machine that plays a game by using a medal or the like, and to a control method of the slot machine.
2. Description of Related Art
As related slot machines, for example, those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,960,133 B1 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,983 are known. In such a slot machine, when a player inserts a monetary value such as a medal, a coin or a bill into an insertion slot of the slot machine and operates a spin switch, for example, totally 15 symbols with a matrix of three rows and five columns are scrolled on defined areas of a display provided on a front surface of a cabinet, and thereafter, the respective symbols automatically stop. Then, in the case where a predetermined number of scatter symbols are displayed when the respective 15 symbols stop, an award is generated.
In such a slot machine, the award is only decided depending on the number of appeared scatter symbols, and a slot machine provided with a new entertainment factor is desired to appear.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the present invention is a slot machine comprising: a display that displays a unit game in which symbols arranged on a plurality of defined areas are rearranged; and a controller that executes: (A) processing for deciding all the symbols to be rearranged individually on the defined areas by symbol decision processing of which number of times is smaller than a number of the defined areas; (B) processing for deciding a sequence of rearranging the symbols on the individual defined areas; and (C) processing for rearranging the symbols on the individual defined areas in accordance with the sequence of rearranging the symbols.
Another aspect of the present invention is a slot machine, comprising: a display that displays a unit game in which symbols arranged on a plurality of defined areas are rearranged; a memory that stores sequence patterns for a sequence of rearranging the symbols on the defined areas; and a controller that executes: (A) processing for deciding all the symbols to be rearranged individually on the defined areas by symbol decision processing of which number of times is smaller than a number of the defined areas; (B) processing for deciding a sequence of rearranging the symbols on the individual defined areas by selecting one from the sequence patterns; and (C) processing for rearranging the symbols on the individual defined areas in accordance with the sequence pattern.
Another aspect of the present invention is a control method of a slot machine, comprising: (A) deciding all symbols to be rearranged individually on defined areas by symbol decision processing of which number of times is smaller than a number of the defined areas; (B) deciding a sequence of rearranging the symbols on the individual defined areas; and (C) rearranging the symbols on the individual defined areas in accordance with the sequence of rearranging the symbols.
Another aspect of the present invention is a control method of a slot machine, comprising: (A) deciding all symbols to be rearranged individually on defined areas by symbol decision processing of which number of times is smaller than a number of the defined areas; (B) deciding a sequence of rearranging the symbols on the individual defined areas by selecting one from sequence patterns for the sequence of rearranging the symbols on the defined areas, the sequence patterns being stored in a memory; and (C) rearranging the symbols on the individual defined areas in accordance with the sequence pattern.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view showing an example of symbols displayed on a display of a slot machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention in accordance with a sequence.

FIG. 2 is a view showing the sequence of the symbols to be rearranged on the display of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of the symbols rearranged on the display of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of an award setting table for use in the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an entire configuration view of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a view showing defined areas set on the display of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of a symbol group rearranged on the display of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of the symbol group rearranged on the display of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing slot game execution processing of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing image effect control processing of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing payout processing of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an entire configuration view of a slot machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the slot machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15A is a perspective view showing a rotation reel device of the slot machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15B is a side view showing the rotation reel device of the slot machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

First Embodiment

FIGS. 1 and 2 are explanatory views showing an example of a sequence of rearranging symbols on a display of a slot machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing an example of the symbols rearranged on the display of the slot machine according to the first embodiment, FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing an example of an award setting table of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is an exterior appearance view of the slot machine according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of the slot machine according to the first embodiment. When a slot game is executed, totally 15 symbols with a matrix of three rows and five columns, which are displayed on defined areas q1 a to q3 e of the display 16 shown in FIG. 5, start to scroll, and after elapse of a predetermined time, the symbols stop sequentially (the arranged symbols are rearranged) as shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with a sequence shown in FIG. 2. As a result, the 15 symbols are rearranged as shown in FIG. 3.
Then, in the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in the case where a predetermined number of the same symbols are rearranged, an award that is based on the number of the same symbols is generated. Specifically, the award setting table shown in FIG. 4 is stored in a RAM 110 of FIG. 6, and the award to be given to a player is decided with reference to this award setting table.
In the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the sequence of rearranging the symbols on the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e becomes random for each game. Accordingly, an effect as if the 15 defined areas q1 a to q3 e were sorted individually and the symbols were decided randomly can be made, and an appeal that the game is free from an intentional action can be made to the player.
Next, a description will be made in detail of a configuration of the slot machine 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the slot machine 10 according to the first embodiment includes a cabinet 11, a top box 12 provided on an upper side of the cabinet 11 concerned, and a main door 13. On the cabinet 11, on a surface thereof facing to the player, the display 16 is provided. Moreover, in the cabinet 11, there are provided a variety of constituent members including a controller 40 (refer to FIG. 6) for electrically controlling this slot machine 10, a hopper 44 (refer to FIG. 6) for controlling insertion, storage and payout of medals, and the like.
Moreover, though the medals are mentioned as an example of game media for use in the case of executing a unit game, the game media are not limited to the medals, and for example, coins, tokens, electronic money, or electronic valuable information (credits) equivalent to these can be mentioned.
The main door 13 is attached to the cabinet 11 so as to be openable/closable, and the display 16 is provided on a substantial center of the main door 13. As will be described later, the display 16 displays images regarding a variety of the unit games including the slot game. In the slot game, the symbols arranged on the totally 15 defined areas q1 a to q3 e provided in such a matrix shape of three rows and five columns as shown in FIG. 5 are scrolled, and are thereafter stopped (the arranged symbols are rearranged). Then, as will be described later, in the case where a predetermined number (for example, four or more) of each type of the symbols stopped on the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e are rearranged, the award that is based on the number of the same symbols is generated.
Here, as shown in FIG. 7, suffixes “a” to “e” assigned to the defined areas q denote the columns, and suffixes “1” to “3” assigned thereto denote the rows. Note that, though the defined areas in the case of executing the slot game are set to have the three columns and the five rows in the first embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this.
Moreover, on a lower left area of the display 16 shown in FIG. 5, a number-of-payouts defined area 48 for displaying the number of payouts is provided.
Below the display 16, there are provided: a medal insertion slot 21 for inserting therethrough the medals for use in the case of playing the game; and a bill identifier 22 for identifying whether or not a bill is a real one and receiving the real bill. Moreover, a variety of operation switches are provided in the vicinities of the medal insertion slot 21 and the bill identifier 22.
As the operation switches, there are provided: a CASHOUT switch 23; a MAXBET switch 24; a BET switch 25; a SPIN/REPEAT/BET switch 26; and a START switch 27.
The BET switch 25 is a switch for deciding the number of credits to be bet on the slot game executed on the display 16, and every time when the BET switch 25 is pressed, a credit equivalent to one medal is bet.
The SPIN/REPEAT/BET switch 26 is a switch for betting credits again without changing the number of credits bet by the above-described BET switch 25 in the unit game executed last time, thereby performing the slot game.
The START switch 27 is a switch for starting the slot game on the display 16 after the credits are bet. When the START switch 27 is pressed after the medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 21 or after the credits are bet by the BET switch 25, the slot game is started on the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e of the display 16.
The CASHOUT switch 23 is a switch for paying out the inserted medals. The medals to be paid out are discharged from a medal payout port 28 open at a lower portion of a front surface of the main door 13, and the discharged medals are accumulated in a medal tray 18.
The MAXBET switch 24 is a switch for betting, by one operation, the maximum number (for example, equivalent to 30 medals) of credits bettable in one unit game.
On the front surface of the lower portion of the main door 13, a foot display 34 is provided, and displays a variety of images regarding the unit game of the slot machine 10. As such images, for example, a character of the slot machine 10 and the like can be mentioned.
On both sides of the foot display 34, lamps 47 are provided, and emit light based on a light-emitting pattern pre-set for the play of the slot machine 10. The medal payout port 28 is provided below the foot display 34.
On the front surface of the top box 12, an upper display 33 is provided. The upper display 33 includes a display panel, and relationships between points and the awards, which are assigned to the symbols, and the like are displayed thereon.
Moreover, speakers 29 are provided in the top box 12. Below the upper display 33, there are provided: a ticket printer 35; a card reader 36; a data display 37; and a keypad 38. The ticket printer 35 prints, on a ticket, a bar code in which the respective data such as the number of credits, a date, and an identification number of the slot machine 10 are encoded, and outputs the ticket as a bar code-added ticket 39.
The player allows another slot machine to read the bar code-added ticket 39, and thereby can perform the game on the slot machine concerned, and can exchange the bar code-added ticket 39 with bills and the like at a predetermined spot (for example, a casher in a casino) of a game arcade.
The card reader 36 is capable of receiving a smart card, and reads data from the smart card inserted thereinto, and writes data into the smart card. The smart card is a card carried by the player, in which data for identifying the player, data regarding a history of the games performed by the player, and the like are stored.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of the controller 40 provided in the slot machine 10 according to the first embodiment, and of the variety of instruments connected to the controller 40. The controller 40 of the slot machine 10, which is shown in FIG. 6, is a microcomputer, and includes: an interface circuit group 102; an input/output bus 104; a CPU 106; a ROM 108; a RAM 110; a communication interface circuit 111; a random number generator 112; an external storage device 113; a speaker driving circuit 122; a hopper driving circuit 124; a display driving circuit 128; and a display controller 140.
The interface circuit group 102 is connected to the input/output bus 104, and the input/output bus 104 transfers a data signal or an address signal with the CPU 106.
The START switch 27 is connected to the interface circuit group 102. A starting signal outputted from the START switch 27 is converted into a predetermined signal in the interface circuit group 102, and is then transmitted to the CPU 106 through the input/output bus 104.
Moreover, to the interface circuit group 102, there are connected: the BET switch 25; the MAXBET switch 24; the SPIN/REPEAT/BET switch 26; and the CASHOUT switch 23. The respective switching signals outputted from the respective switches 25, 24, 26 and 23 are supplied to the interface circuit group 102, are converted into predetermined signals in the interface circuit group 102, and are then transmitted to the CPU 106 through the input/output bus 104.
In addition, a medal sensor 43 is connected to the interface circuit group 102. The medal sensor 43 is a sensor for detecting the medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 21, and is provided in a medal insertion spot of the medal insertion slot 21. A detection signal outputted from the medal sensor 43 is supplied to the interface circuit group 102, is converted into a predetermined signal by the interface circuit group 102, and is then transmitted to the CPU 106 through the input/output bus 104.
To the input/output bus 104, there are connected: the ROM 108 in which a system program is stored; and the RAM 110 for storing a variety of data. Moreover, to the input/output bus 104, there are connected: the random number generator 112; the communication interface circuit 111; the external storage device 113; the display controller 140; the hopper driving circuit 124; the speaker driving circuit 122; and the display driving circuit 128.
On an occasion that a starting operation for the unit game has been received by the START switch 27, the CPU 106 reads out game execution programs, and executes the slot game. The game execution programs are programs for executing the unit game through the display controller 140 on the display 16. Specifically, the game execution programs are programmed so as to execute the unit game. In the unit game, the award that is based on the number of the same symbols is generated when the symbols are scrolled on the respective display areas q1 a to q3 e (refer to FIG. 7), the symbols are then stopped (the arranged symbols are rearranged), and the predetermined number (for example, four or more) of each type of the symbols thus stopped are rearranged.
Moreover, the CPU 106 decides the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas q1 a to q3 e. For example, in the case where the plurality of columns or rows are provided as in the defined areas q1 a to q3 e shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 106 decides the symbols, which are to be rearranged, for each of the columns or for each of the rows (refer to FIGS. 8 and 9). In the case where the symbols to be rearranged are decided for each of the columns, and symbol groups G1 to G5, each of which is composed of three symbols rearranged for each column shown in FIG. 8, are selected, the 15 symbols shown in FIG. 3 are rearranged on the defined areas q1 a to q3 e. Moreover, in the case where the symbols to be rearranged are decided for each of the rows, and symbol groups Ga to Gc, each of which is composed of five symbols rearranged for each row shown in FIG. 9, are selected, the 15 symbols shown in FIG. 3 are rearranged on the defined areas q1 a to q3 e.
Moreover, after having decided the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas q1 a to q3 e, the CPU 106 decides the sequence (refer to FIG. 2) in which the symbols are rearranged on the individual defined areas q1 a to q3 e. Then, the CPU 106 creates, as an image display command outputted to the display controller 140, signals of the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas q1 a to q3 e, and of the sequence of rearranging the decided symbols thereon. Specifically, the CPU 106 creates the signals of the image display command corresponding to a state of the unit game, a result of the unit game and the sequence of rearranging the symbols, and outputs the signals of the image display command to the display controller 140 through the input/output bus 104.
The communication interface circuit 111 is connected to a hall server or the like, and transmits data on a history of plays executed on this slot machine 10, and the like to the hall server. Moreover, the communication interface circuit 111 receives a variety of data transmitted from the hall server.
The random number generator 112 generates random numbers for deciding whether or not to generate a winning combination in the slot game executed on the display 16.
In the external storage device 113, a plurality of the sequence patterns (refer to FIG. 2) for such sequences in which the symbols are rearranged on the defined areas q1 a to q3 e are stored in advance. Moreover, in the external storage device 113, the symbol groups G1 to G5 (refer to FIG. 8) for each column of the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas q1 a to q3 e and the symbol groups Ga to Gc (refer to FIG. 9) for each row thereof are stored.
Incidentally, the plurality of sequence patterns for the sequences in which the symbols are rearranged on the defined areas q1 a to q3 e and the symbol groups of the symbols rearranged on the defined areas q1 a to q3 e can be provided, for example, in a program of the ROM 108 instead of being stored in the external storage device 113.
The display driving circuit 128 performs a control to display the number of payouts on the number-of-payouts defined area 48 set on the lower left area of the display 16.
The speaker driving circuit 122 outputs audio data to the speakers 29. Specifically, the CPU 106 reads out the audio data stored in the ROM 108, and transmits the audio data to the speaker driving circuit 122 through the input/output bus 104. In such a way, a predetermined effect sound is emitted from the speakers 29.
The hopper driving circuit 124 outputs a payout signal to the hopper 44 when cashout occurs. Specifically, upon receiving a cashout signal from the CASHOUT switch 23, the CPU 106 outputs a drive signal to the hopper driving circuit 124 through the input/output bus 104. In such a way, the hopper 44 pays out the medals of the number equivalent to the remaining number of credits at that point of time, which is stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110.
The display controller 140 performs a display control to execute the slot game on the display 16. Specifically, the CPU 106 creates signals of an image display command corresponding to a state of the slot game and a result of the slot game, and outputs the signals of the image display command to the display controller 140 through the input/output bus 104.
Upon receiving the signals of the image display command, which are outputted from the CPU 106, the display controller 140 creates superimposedly displayed two frame memories, which are to be displayed on the display 16, based on this image display command, and stores the frame memories in the RAM 110. A front frame memory as one of the two frame memories is one that displays an image of a state where the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e are scrolling, and a rear frame memory as the other one of the two frame memories is one that displays images of the symbols rearranged on the defined areas q1 a to q3 e, which are decided by the CPU 106. Moreover, upon receiving the signals of the image display command, which are outputted from the CPU 106, the display controller 140 creates a drive signal for driving the display 16 based on this image display command, and outputs the drive signal thus created to the display 16. Specifically, the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e of the front frame memory are switched to transparent display one by one, whereby the symbols displayed on the rear frame memory are individually controlled to be visually recognizable on the display 16. In such a way, predetermined images are displayed on the display 16.
Next, with reference to the award setting table shown in FIG. 4, a description will be made of relationships between the symbols rearranged on the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e of the display 16 and the awards each of which is to be given to the player based on the number of the same symbols.
On each of the defined areas q1 a to q3 e of the display 16, any of totally five types of symbols, which are “Sun shape”, “Heart shape”, “Doughnut shape”, “Circle shape”, and “Cross shape”, is rearranged. Moreover, relationships between the number of points and the awards, which are displayed accompanied with the respective symbols, are set as shown in FIG. 4.
For example, in the case where 15 symbols “Sun shape” are displayed, an award equivalent to 5000 pieces is generated, and the number of pieces for the award to be given to the player is gradually reduced as the number of rearranged pieces is reduced. Then, in the case where the number of the symbols “Sun shape” is less than four, the award is not generated. Moreover, in the case where 15 symbols “Cross shape” are displayed, an award equivalent to 1000 pieces is generated, and the number of pieces for the award to be given to the player is gradually reduced as the number of rearranged pieces is reduced. Then, in the case where the number of the symbols “Cross shape” is less than four, the award is not generated.
In the first embodiment, probabilities that the symbols “Sun shape”, “Heart shape”, “Doughnut shape”, “Circle shape”, and “Cross shape” are rearranged on the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e are set so as to be increased in this sequence. Specifically, the probability that the symbol “Cross shape” is rearranged is the highest, and the probability that the symbol “Sun shape” is rearranged is the lowest. Hence, the controller 40 shown in FIG. 6 controls an effect of the images displayed on the display 16 so that, as the symbols are those generating a larger award, the probability that the symbols concerned are rearranged on the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e can be decreased.
Next, a description will be made of operations of the slot machine 10 according to the first embodiment with reference to flowcharts shown in FIG. 10, FIG. 11, and FIG. 12. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure of execution processing of the slot game executed on the slot machine 10 according to the first embodiment.
First, the CPU 106 receives a bet of the medals or the credits by the player (Step S11). Specifically, in the case where the player presses the BET switch 25, and bets a desired number of the credits, or in the case where the player inserts a desired number of the medals from the medal insertion slot 21, such a number is inputted as the number of bets.
In the case where the BET switch 25 has been pressed to place the bet, the CPU 106 reduces the current credits by the bet credits (Step S12). For example, in the case where a bet for the credits “10” is placed when the credits are “30”, the credits are reduced to be “20”.
The CPU 106 determines whether or not the START switch 27 has been switched on (Step S13), and in the case where the START switch 27 has been switched on (YES in Step S13), performs stopped symbol decision processing (Step S14). In this processing, the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas q1 a to q3 e are decided by selecting the symbol groups (refer to FIGS. 8 and 9) for each column or row based on the random numbers obtained from the random number generator 112. At this time, such symbol decision processing decides the symbols, which are to be rearranged, for each column or for each row, and accordingly, can decide all the symbols to be rearranged individually on the defined areas q1 a to q3 e by the number of times, which is smaller than the number of defined areas q1 a to q3 e. Specifically, the random number generator 112 just needs to generate the random numbers the number of times, which is the same as the number of columns or rows.
After the processing (Step S14) for deciding such rearrangement positions of the symbols for the defined areas q1 a to q3 e, the CPU 106 selects the sequence pattern (refer to FIG. 2) stored in the external storage device 113, and decides the sequence of rearranging the symbols of the defined areas q1 a to q3 e (Step S15). The CPU 106 executes image effect control processing (Step S16). Details of the image effect control processing will be described later.
Subsequently, the CPU 106 performs payout processing that is based on the symbols displayed on the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e and on the sum of the points to be described later (Step S17). Details of the payout processing will be described later.
Next, a description will be made of the image effect control processing shown in Step S16 of FIG. 11 with reference to FIG. 12.
First, the CPU 106 outputs an instruction signal to start scroll display of the symbols to the display controller 140. Upon receiving this instruction signal, the display controller 140 creates the front frame memory that displays the image of the state where the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e are scrolling. Then, the display controller 140 starts the scroll display of the symbols on the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e of the display 16 (Step S21).
The CPU 106 counts an elapsed time since the scrolling of the symbols is started (Step S82). In the case where a predetermined time (for example, five seconds) has elapsed (YES is Step S22), the CPU 106 stops the symbols on the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e based on the stopped symbols decided in Step S14 of FIG. 10 and on the sequence of rearranging the symbols, which is decided in Step S15 of FIG. 10 (Step S23). For example, in the case where the sequence of rearranging the symbols is decided by the CPU 106 to the sequence of the numeric characters, which is shown in FIG. 2, the front frame memory for the scroll display is sequentially switched to the transparent display for each of the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e, whereby the rear frame memory that displays the images of the symbols rearranged on the defined areas q1 a to q3 e, which are created by the display controller 140, becomes visually recognizable. Specifically, the player can visually recognize that, as shown in FIG. 1, the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e turn from the scrolling state to the state where the symbols are rearranged in the sequence of the numeric characters, which is shown in FIG. 2. The respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e are turned from the scrolling state to the state where the symbols are rearranged in the sequence of the numeric characters, which is shown in FIG. 2, whereby a state is finally brought as shown in FIG. 3, where the symbols are rearranged individually on the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e. Thereafter, the CPU 106 ends this processing.
Next, a description will be made of the payout processing shown in Step S17 of FIG. 11 with reference to FIG. 13.
First, the CPU 106 recognizes the symbols stopped by the processing of Step S23 of FIG. 11, and calculates the number of the same symbols (Step S31).
Thereafter, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the symbols exist, in which the number of the same symbols becomes the predetermined number or more (Step S32).
With reference to the award setting table shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 106 decides the awards for the symbols in which the number of the rearranged symbols becomes the predetermined number or more (Step S33). Subsequently, the CPU 106 calculates the sum of the awards (Step S34).
Thereafter, the CPU 106 pays out the credits or the medals, which are equivalent to the added-up awards (Step S35) In such a way, the payout processing is performed.
As described above, in the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the symbols to be rearranged on the respective 15 defined areas are not sorted individually, but such a lottery of the symbols is executed for each of the defined areas q1 a to q3 e divided into the plurality of groups. The lottery of the symbols is executed for each of the defined areas q1 a to q3 e divided into the plurality of groups, whereby the rearrangement of the symbols is decided by the number of times, which is smaller than the number of defined areas q1 a to q3 e, and accordingly, cumbersomeness of the symbol decision processing can be resolved.
Moreover, in the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the sequence of rearranging the symbols on the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e becomes random for each game. Accordingly, the effect as if 15 reels were sorted individually and the symbols were decided randomly can be made, and the appeal that the game is free from the intentional action can be made to the player.
Furthermore, depending on countries or regions, owing to a legal regulation for a gaming machine, there is a case where it is obliged to decide stopped positions for each reel and to execute the rearrangement processing of the symbols on the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e; however, the slot machine according to this embodiment does not violate the legal regulation concerned.

Modification Example of First Embodiment

Next, a description will be made of a modification example of the slot machine 10 according to the above-described first embodiment. The slot machine 10 according to the modification example is different from the slot machine 10 according to the above-described first embodiment in that the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas q1 a to q3 e divided into the plurality of groups are decided not for each column or row but for each group formed by randomly selecting the defined areas q1 a to q3 e. For example, the slot machine 10 according to the modification example can set groups, each of which is composed by randomly selecting three areas from the defined areas q1 a to q3 e, individually to the defined area groups. In the case of the defined area groups, each of which is composed of three of the defined areas q1 a to q3 e, symbol groups, each of which is composed of three symbols, are selected. Then, the symbols are rearranged in accordance with the sequence of rearranging the symbols, which is decided by the CPU 106, whereby the symbols are rearranged individually on the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e as shown in FIG. 3.
In such a way, in the slot machine 10 according to the modification example of the first embodiment of the present invention, the defined areas q1 a to q3 e randomly selected are set to the defined area groups, and the lottery for the symbol groups to be rearranged on the defined area groups is performed. Accordingly, it becomes possible to increase variations of the lottery.

Second Embodiment

In the above-described first embodiment, it is assumed that the display 16 is a liquid crystal panel, and that the rearrangement of the symbols on the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e is performed by using the liquid crystal panel. However, with regard to the rearrangement of the symbols on the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e of the display 16, an apparatus including a liquid crystal panel capable of the transparent display can be provided, and the rearrangement of the symbols on the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e can also be performed by a rotation reel device disposed behind the liquid crystal panel concerned.
A description will be made below of a slot machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which performs the rearrangement of the symbols by the rotation reel device disposed behind the liquid crystal panel of the display 16, and of a playing method of the slot machine. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the slot machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the slot machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B are a perspective view and side view of rotation reels of the slot machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 13, the slot machine 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is different from the slot machine 10 of the first embodiment in that windows 16 a to 16 e and the rotation reel device 53 (refer to FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B) including rotation reels 53 a to 53 e arranged behind the windows 16 a to 16 e are provided instead of the display 16 of the slot machine 10 of the first embodiment. Others are substantially the same as those of the slot machine 10 according to the first embodiment, and accordingly, a duplicate description will be omitted.
As shown in FIG. 14, the slot machine 10 of the second embodiment further includes a motor driving circuit 51 and a reel position detection circuit 52 in the machine controller 40 of the slot machine 10 of the first embodiment. Note that, following the fact that the slot machine 10 of the second embodiment includes the rotation reel device 53, the slot machine 10 of the second embodiment further includes: respective drive motors 56 a to 56 e of the rotation reel device 53, which are driven by the motor driving circuit 51; and sensors 54 a to 54 e for detecting rotations, stops and stopped positions of the respective rotation reels 53 a to 53 e of the rotation reel device 53 by the reel position detection circuit 52. As shown in FIG. 14, the motor driving circuit 51 and the reel position detection circuit 52 are connected to the input/output but 104 in a similar way to the random number generator 112, the communication interface circuit 111, the external storage device 113, the display controllers 140 and 141, the hopper driving circuit 124, the speaker driving circuit 122, the display driving circuit 128 and the like.
Note that, in the slot machine 10 of the second embodiment, when the symbols are rearranged on the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e, a display control to perform the transparent display for each spot of the windows 16 a to 16 e, which corresponds to each of the defined areas q1 a to q3 e, can be performed. Specifically, in the case where each spot of the windows 16 a to 16 e, which corresponds to each of the defined areas q1 a to q3 e, is included in the sequence of rearranging the symbols, the CPU 106 creates a signal of an image display command to allow the corresponding spot to perform the transparent display, and outputs the signal of the image display command to the display controller 140. Upon receiving the signal of the image display command, which is outputted from the CPU 106, the display controller 140 creates a drive signal for driving the display 16 based on this image display command, and outputs the drive signal thus created to the display 16. In such a way, on the display 16, the spots corresponding to the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e, which are included in the sequence of rearranging the symbols, are transparently displayed.
Hence, the CPU 106 outputs an image display command for displaying the image of the slot game and an effect corresponding to a result thereof on the display 16 to the display controller 140 at timing corresponding to a progress of the slot game. In such a way, on the display 16, the effect for the slot game and the effect corresponding to the game result are made.
The CPU 106 decides the stopped positions for each of the rotation reels 53 a to 53 e, and thereby decides the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas q1 a to q3 e. Specifically, the CPU 106 decides the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas q1 a to q3 e by selecting the stopped positions of the rotation reels 53 a to 53 e based on the random numbers obtained from the random number generator 112. Specifically, the random number generator 112 generates the random numbers of which number is the same as the number of rotation reels 53 a to 53 e.
Also by the slot machine 10 of the second embodiment, which is configured as described above, and by the playing method thereof, similar effects to those of the slot machine 10 of the first embodiment and the playing method thereof can be obtained.
The description has been made above of the embodiments of the present invention; however, the embodiments merely illustrate specific examples, and do not particularly limit the present invention, and with regard to specific configurations of the respective means and the like, design thereof is appropriately changeable. Moreover, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention merely list the most suitable effects generated from the present invention, and the effects by the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.
Moreover, in the above-described detailed description, the description has been made mainly of characteristic portions so that the present invention can be understood more easily. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the above-described detailed description, and can also be applied to other embodiments, and application ranges thereof are broad. Moreover, the terms and the phraseology, which are used in this specification, are used for accurately explaining the present invention, and are not used for limiting the interpretation of the present invention. Moreover, it is considered easy for those skilled in the art to figure out other configurations, systems, methods and the like, which are incorporated in the concept of the present invention described in this specification, from the concept concerned of the present invention. Hence, the description of the scope of claims must be regarded as one that incorporates equilibrium configurations of those of the scope of the technical concept of the present invention without departing therefrom. Moreover, it is an object of the abstract to assist patent offices, general public institutions, engineers who belong to this technical field and are not conversant in patents, law terms, or technical terms, and the like so that they can rapidly determine the technical contents and essence of this application by a simple investigation. Hence, the abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to be evaluated by the description of the scope of claims. Moreover, in order to sufficiently understand the object of the present invention and the effects intrinsic to the present invention, it is desired that the present invention be interpreted in full consideration for already-disclosed documents, and the like.
The above-described detailed description incorporates processing executed by a computer. The descriptions and the expressions in the above are described for the purpose of being understood most efficiently by those skilled in the art. In this specification, the respective steps for use in deriving one result should be understood as processing free from self-contradiction. Moreover, in the respective steps, electric or magnetic signal transmission/reception, recording, and the like are performed. In the processing in each step, such a signal is expressed by a bit, a value, a symbol, a letter, a term, a number, or the like; however, it is necessary to keep it in mind that these are merely used for explanation convenience. Moreover, the processing in each step is sometimes described in expression common to a human action; however, the processing explained in this specification is basically executed by a variety of devices. Moreover, other configurations required for performing the respective steps become self-evident from the above descriptions.

Claims

1. A slot machine comprising:

a display that displays a unit game in which symbols arranged on a plurality of defined areas are rearranged; and

a controller that executes:

(A) processing for deciding all the symbols to be rearranged individually on the defined areas by symbol decision processing of which number of times is smaller than a number of the defined areas;

(B) processing for deciding a sequence of rearranging the symbols on the individual defined areas; and

(C) processing for rearranging the symbols on the individual defined areas in accordance with the sequence of rearranging the symbols.

2. The slot machine according to claim 1,

wherein, in a case where the rearrangement of the symbols on the respective defined areas is performed by using a plurality of rotation reels, the symbol decision processing is performed the same number of times as a number of the rotation reels.

3. The slot machine according to claim 1,

wherein, in a case where the defined areas have a plurality of columns, the symbol decision processing is performed the same number of times as a number of the columns of the defined areas.

4. The slot machine according to claim 1,

wherein, in a case where the defined areas have a plurality of rows, the symbol decision processing is performed the same number of times as a number of the rows of the defined areas.

5. The slot machine according to claim 1,

wherein the symbol decision processing is performed the same number of times as a number of defined area groups composed by randomly selecting the defined areas.

6. A slot machine, comprising:

a display that displays a unit game in which symbols arranged on a plurality of defined areas are rearranged;

a memory that stores sequence patterns for a sequence of rearranging the symbols on the defined areas; and

a controller that executes:

(B) processing for deciding a sequence of rearranging the symbols on the individual defined areas by selecting one from the sequence patterns; and

(C) processing for rearranging the symbols on the individual defined areas in accordance with the sequence pattern.

7. The slot machine according to claim 6,

8. The slot machine according to claim 6,

9. The slot machine according to claim 6,

10. The slot machine according to claim 6,

11. A control method of a slot machine, comprising:

(A) deciding all symbols to be rearranged individually on defined areas by symbol decision processing of which number of times is smaller than a number of the defined areas;

(B) deciding a sequence of rearranging the symbols on the individual defined areas; and

(C) rearranging the symbols on the individual defined areas in accordance with the sequence of rearranging the symbols.

12. The control method of a slot machine according to claim 11,

13. The control method of a slot machine according to claim 11,

14. The control method of a slot machine according to claim 11,

15. The control method of a slot machine according to claim 11,

16. A control method of a slot machine, comprising:

(B) deciding a sequence of rearranging the symbols on the individual defined areas by selecting one from sequence patterns for the sequence of rearranging the symbols on the defined areas, the sequence patterns being stored in a memory; and

(C) rearranging the symbols on the individual defined areas in accordance with the sequence pattern.

17. The control method of a slot machine according to claim 16,

18. The control method of a slot machine according to claim 16,

19. The control method of a slot machine according to claim 16,

20. The control method of a slot machine according to claim 16,